Cultural Heritage Matters

January 11th is Heritage Treasure Day. This day is dedicated to the unique heritage, raising awareness and educating others about the value of local’s cultural and natural heritage.

We followed National Today’s suggestion to visit the town’s landmark, the Kensington Train Station, to observe this momentous day. Kensington train station is the second oldest active train station in Montgomery County. It was designed by Ephraim Francis Baldwin, the chief architect of the B&O rail line and was constructed in 1891 during the railway’s golden age (1876–1914).

While looking along this significant historic building and trying to refresh our history lessons, the visit reminded us of a sustainable design principle:

“Enhance a site’s identity and meaning by protecting and maintaining significant historic buildings, structures, and objects, as well as cultural landscapes.” — SITES, Human Health+ Well-Being 6.1: Protect and Maintain Cultural and Historic Places

Including these cultural landmarks in the overall master plan will increase tourism opportunities and benefit the local economy.

On a typical Saturday, you would see vendors and families gather in the station’s parking lot. You could shop for local produce at the Farmer’s Market and get fresh carryout at nearby restaurants. You could also enjoy live music floating from Howard Avenue Park across the street during summer. A map for the K-town walking tour is also available at https://tinyurl.com/4vv9mn92

On this momentous day, we display this card in our studio. May the “cultural & historic place” be our guide when we conduct our pre-design assessment next time.